ORAU hosts national computing forum in Washington, D.C.

The Library of Congress in Washington D.C. will be the site of a forum
on high-performance computing hosted by Oak Ridge Associated Universities
and its university members. "We have assembled a preeminent group of
distinguished scientists, academicians, and government officials to address
high-performance computing as a catalyst for research and economic development," said
Ron Townsend, ORAU's president and chief executive officer.

Officials said the forum provides an opportunity for congressional
and scientific leaders to learn why high-performance computing needs
to be a national priority.

"The forum will highlight the need and the benefits of a national initiative
in high-end computing as well as how partnerships among government, academia
and industry can achieve success," Townsend said.

John Marburger, President Bush's science adviser, and Ray Orbach, director
of the Department of Energy's Office of Science, are among the major
presenters in Wednesday's forum. U.S. Sen Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., and
U.S. Rep. Zach Wamp, R-3rd District, will also attend to help kick off
the important event.

As far as Tennessee is concerned, Gov. Phil Bredesen understands the
importance of high-performance computing. He recently co-sponsored a
resolution supporting Oak Ridge National Laboratory's goal to boost its
technological capabilities.

The resolution was adopted during a recent meeting of Southern governors
in Washington, D.C. and carries the support of close to a dozen governors.
With the resolution, the Southern Governors' Association sent a message
to Congress and the executive branch to provide financial support for
high-performance computing initiatives.

ORNL aims to house the world's fastest supercomputer.

Speaking of ORNL, the computing forum was organized in partnership
with the research facility and with participation from DOE, the National
Science Foundation and other federal agencies. Jeff Wadsworth, ORNL's
current director, and Bill Madia, who previously managed the lab, are
expected to participate in the forum.

ORAU - a consortium of 88 colleges and universities - manages the Oak
Ridge Institute for Science and Education for the Department of Energy.
ORISE is a multi-program federal facility that provides operational capabilities
and conducts research, education and training in the areas of science
and technology, national security, environmental safety and health, and
environmental management.